Felix Gonzalez-Torres's 'Sweet Revenge' Survey at Reina Sofía Explores Political and Lyrical Art
The Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid is showcasing 'Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Sweet Revenge' until October 12. This exhibition derives its title from a phrase penned by Gonzalez-Torres in 1991, which reflects on his experiences growing up in Madrid after moving from Cuba at the age of 13 in 1971. A highlight is 'Untitled' (Revenge), featuring 325 pounds of blue candies arranged in a rectangular display, inviting audience participation. Additional pieces include 'Untitled' (Madrid 1971) (1988), 'Untitled' (Loverboy) (1989), and 'Untitled' (Beautiful, with Louise Lawler) (1990). His art often explores themes of loss, particularly in relation to his partner Ross Laycock, who passed away on January 24, 1991. Gonzalez-Torres valued the interaction between the public and his creations.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Sweet Revenge' at Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid, until 12 October.
- Title derived from Gonzalez-Torres's 1991 phrase 'sweet revenge'.
- Artist arrived in Madrid in 1971 at age 13 from Cuba.
- Opening work: 'Untitled' (Revenge), 325lb of blue candies in clear wrappers, installed in rectangular 'carpet' format.
- Includes 'Untitled' (Madrid 1971) (1988), a puzzle work with a childhood mugshot and a statue with a rifle.
- Ross Laycock, Gonzalez-Torres's partner, died on 24 January 1991, two days after the first showing of 'Untitled' (Revenge) in Madrid.
- Gonzalez-Torres described his manifestable works as a form of 'letting go'.
- He said: 'Without a public these works are nothing, nothing.'
Entities
Artists
- Felix Gonzalez-Torres
- Ross Laycock
- Roni Horn
- Tim Rollins
- Louise Lawler
- Wallace Stevens
- Felix González-Torres
- Alejandro Cesarco
- Nancy Spector
- Dan Cameron
- Agustín Pérez Rubio
- José Esteban Muñoz
- Herbert Marcuse
- Gloria Gonzalez-Torres
- Ingvild Goetz
- Ronald Reagan
- Himmler
- Helms
- Félix González-Torres
Institutions
- Museo Reina Sofía
- Estate Felix Gonzalez-Torres
- MACBA
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- Glenstone
- Fundación Caja de Pensiones
- Felix Gonzalez-Torres Foundation
- Fundación de la Caja de Pensiones de Madrid
- CGAC de Santiago de Compostela
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Barcelona (MACBA)
- Austrian Airlines
- Parkett
- Artishock Revista
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Group Material
- University of Puerto Rico
- Pratt Institute
- Whitney Independent Study Program
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- Smithsonian Institution
- Fundación Félix González-Torres
- Fundación Museo Reina Sofía
- JCDecaux
- Metro de Madrid
- Félix González-Torres Foundation
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Cuba
- Puerto Rico
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Barcelona
- Miami
- Maryland
- Havana
- José Martí Airport
- Santiago de Compostela
- Bitburg
- Guáimaro
- United States
- Washington, D.C.
- Cuzco
- Guzmán el Bueno
- Retiro
- O’Donnell
- Legazpi
- Tirso de Molina
- Nueva York
- Potomac
- O'Donnell